Lower Keys Medical Center hosted an awards ceremony honoring registered nurse Irene Joy Pojas with the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award recognizes nursing professionals for excellence in clinical care and for exceptional compassion.
Pojas, who works the night shift, was nominated by a former patient who noted the exceptional collaboration between her and the day shift nurse. Danny Trevor wrote in the nomination, “They worked closely together on my wellness journey. Between the two of them, I believe they saved my life. Joy kept my spirits up and was a great comfort to me through the dark hours. She kept me laughing and reassured me by explaining everything, especially the medications. She left me feeling much better every visit and gave me confidence that all would be well and I was OK.”
Pojas was presented with a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, a Daisy certificate and a signature bouquet of daisies.
The nonprofit Daisy Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family was inspired to create the foundation to honor nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families.
